Roswell Police award Medal of Valor to Detective Matthew Shapard for Sept. 16, 2025 shooting response

Assistant Chief Taylor introduced Detective Matthew Shapard and described the incident that led to the department's Medal of Valor. According to the department's account, on Sept. 16, 2025, officers responded to a report of a male assaulting a female. Detective Shapard located a suspect hiding near dumpsters, ordered him to show his hands, and when the suspect fled and reached toward his waistband during a foot pursuit, Shapard and responding officers believed the suspect might be armed. The suspect produced a firearm and pointed it at Shapard; Shapard then fired one round from his service weapon, striking the suspect and ending the immediate threat, and immediately transitioned to rendering aid until additional personnel arrived.

The department presented the Medal of Valor and a certificate recognizing "exceptional valor and bravery with great risk to personal safety." Assistant Chief Taylor described the decision as one made under rapidly evolving and life-threatening circumstances and praised Shapard's transition from use of force to life-saving measures. The award is described by the department as its second-highest honor.

What happens next: The council and community publicly recognized the officer during the meeting, photos were taken and the department will retain records of the award. The presentation did not include any formal policy change or council action beyond recognition.